The Boy® - He decided to run instead of walk. I didn't know if this young 9-yo could actually do 3.1 miles. But run he did. And in his first 5K race what does he do? He podiums, getting 3rd in the 9-10 Male AG. And finished 90th out of 490 total participants (all ages). Awesome. Simply awesome. And best of all? He wants to do another one.

The Well Kept Wife™ - I would be remiss for not including the significant other. This was a true family event. She did the 5K walk but was chipped as well and thus, garnered an official 240th place. That was good for 37th out of 87 women in her AG. We'll take that. There was mention by the Boy® that perhaps she should try running next time, ahem.

As for me, hey, it was almost ideal conditions. Temp at start time was 59-F. A bit of a stiff breeze which hampered a bit on the course....not so much because of running into the wind but because this was off-road. So we were dealing with some dust.

My target had been 42:33 (6:51 pace) and I ended up with 41:32 (6:41 pace). I took mile splits through the first 3 miles, then as the 10K was a two lap course we ran into traffic. From baby strollers to people walking four abreast it was hard to navigate, let alone see the mile markers. So I was not able to take splits on the 2nd 5K lap.

I felt great and was happy for the result. My hamstrings had been bothering me the last two weeks but thanks to two massages, icing, heat, rest I had no issues until the last mile when the left hammy started to tighten. I'm happy with the race results considering it was off-road and the heavy traffic on the 2nd lap. You can view the race, via Garmin, here.

And like any first time event, one could say the field was a bit weak. Heck, think my 41:32 would mean squat in a big event? Nope. But I did find it interesting that my 5K split (19:46) would have won the 5K open event, period. So at least all the top dogs were running the 10K.

The awards were handed out shortly after. Here is a short video showing the start of the 10K (I'm the dude wearing a bright neon yellow singlet) and the Maas men getting their awards from the Sisters.

And thanks so much for all those you helped the Maas family raise $381 dollars for the Sisters. They truly appreciated it. Such great spirit in them. They had us laughing out loud several times. And provided some gospel that can give every runner relate to. From 1 Corinthians 9:

Our life is like unto a race.

9:24 Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.

9:25 Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.

9:26 I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air,

9:27 but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

I can tell you....no way I can maintain my projected 6:51 pace for the Fargo half marathon at this point. No way at all. But I have some time. We'll see. I'm not going to adjust my sub 1 hour 30 minute goal just yet!

I highly recommend this race to everyone. There will be a 2nd annual event next year. Please put it on your calendar if you are able to join!